Following a recent story on Stuttgart's tornado siren system, readers had more questions, so the Daily Leader followed up with Smith on the city's siren policies.

The Stuttgart Police Department is in charge of activating the city's sirens in the event of a potential tornado, but Smith says officials "try not to set them off unless there's a serious threat."

Stuttgart police officers receive weather-spotting training, and any time a resident calls in a potential weather threat, officers on patrol verify the possible tornado before alerting officials to activate the sirens. Officers are also out on patrol during possible severe weather to spot any potential threats themselves. While residents are encouraged to contact authorities if a potential threat is spotted, Smith urged residents to leave the storm chasing to professionals.

In the event of a tornado, Smith said that all five sirens will be set off at once. While the city has the capability to set off individual sirens, he said all sirens are activated as a precaution.

He cited the May 2008 tornado as an example.

"(The tornado) was seen on the north end of town, but it was the south end that received most of the damage," Smith said. "We set them all off, because you just never know."While it may seem as though the sirens "go off a lot," Smith encouraged residents to take cover any time they are activated. He reiterated his belief in the idea that "it's better to be safe than sorry."

Smith said an all-clear voice message can be broadcast over the siren system to let residents know it is safe to return to normal activity. He also encouraged residents to tune in to the local radio stations, if possible, to keep updated on the potential storm.

Stuttgart's sirens — which can be used to alert residents for any disaster, but are primarily used for tornadoes — are tested each Wednesday in clear weather. During the test, an officer is stationed at each siren, located near Clary Elementary on Superior and Grand; 12th and Crockett; the south fire station; 13th and Park Avenue; and on Frederick Street near Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. Smith said the sirens require the occasional battery change, but the system has had no real maintenance problems.